Posts tagged ‘Donald Trump’

As for foreign policy, Mr. Trump said he is “only interested in Libya if we take the oil,” and that if he were President, “I would not leave Iraq and let Iran take over the oil.” He remains sharply critical of the Chinese, asserting that as President, “I would tell China that you’re either going to shape up, or I’m going to tax you at 25% for all the products you send into this country.”

“I’m all for free trade, but it’s got to be fair trade,” he said. “China has taken advantage of this country for a long time.” Regarding the $300 billion he said China stands to make from trade with the U.S. this year, Mr. Trump said, “What’s protectionism? …I want to be protected if that’s the case.” As for pending trade deals with Colombia, Korea and other countries, he said he would only sign them if they were the right deals for the U.S. “If it’s a bad deal, I wouldn’t sign it,” he said.

As for whether his candidacy is an elaborate hoax, or a publicity stunt, Mr. Trump said, “I don’t need to do this for ratings on the Apprentice. This is too important, our country is in trouble, our country is not being properly led. It needs help.”

But Barack Obama circa 2008? He had no meaningful experience leading anything, building anything or managing anything. Even he admitted, in an unusual moment of candor in 2007, that he hadn’t actually done anything. During the campaign he spoke in cliches and half truths, and many of his own allies were counting on him not meaning much of what he said. He was nothing but hype. A cool logo. An empty slogan — Hope and Change. A big smile. A well-oiled advertising campaign worthy of Don Draper. And he cruised to the most powerful office in the world.